Cape Town Underworld Figure Mark Lifman Shot Dead in George Amid Ongoing High-Profile Murder Trial
By Karabo Marifi
Controversial Cape Town businessman and alleged underworld figure, Mark Lifman, was fatally shot on Sunday morning in the parking lot of the Garden Route Mall in George. Lifman, who was reportedly preparing to testify in a murder trial the following day, was gunned down in a brazen daylight attack. The 57-year-old was approached by gunmen reportedly traveling in a VW Polo, who opened fire on him, leaving him dead at the scene.
Pictures of Lifman’s lifeless body lying in the parking lot quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention to the brutal nature of the attack. The Western Cape police have confirmed the incident, stating that the circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation, though they have refrained from disclosing further information at this stage.
Lifman, a prominent figure in Cape Town’s nightclub and security scene, had a reputation marked by controversy and allegations. He was facing serious charges, including murder and conspiracy to commit murder, in connection with the 2017 killing of Brian Wainstein, also known as the “Steroid King.” Wainstein was gunned down at his home in Constantia in August 2017. The State alleges that Lifman, along with other prominent figures, was involved in orchestrating Wainstein’s murder, with connections to the notorious 27s gang.
This incident adds to the long and tumultuous history of Lifman’s legal troubles. He had been due in court on Monday, where he faced nine charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and various contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act of 1998. His death, however, leaves many questions unanswered and casts a new shadow over the unfolding legal proceedings.
Mark Lifman: A Life Marked by Controversy and Crime Allegations
Mark Lifman’s life has been a complex tapestry of alleged criminal associations, legal battles, and a significant presence in Cape Town’s nightlife and security industries. Known for his involvement in the city’s nightclub security scene, Lifman wielded substantial influence, often clashing with other notable figures in the underworld. His associations allegedly led to multiple violent incidents and disputes, earning him a reputation as a formidable player in the criminal underbelly of Cape Town.
The allegations against Lifman have only intensified over the years. He was arrested on December 22, 2020, after handing himself over to Cape Town police in connection with Wainstein’s murder. At the time, Lifman was granted bail set at R100,000, though his legal troubles continued to mount. In November 2021, he requested the court to return his passport, citing work-related travel to Turkey and other countries. This request was denied, even after he petitioned the Supreme Court of Appeal. By 2023, he had launched another application to relax his bail conditions, offering an additional R150,000 in exchange for the return of his passport. This application was also denied, with Judge JD Lekhuleni of the Western Cape High Court stating that releasing Lifman was not in the interest of justice.
Lifman’s ongoing legal battles have cast a long shadow over Cape Town’s criminal underworld. In April 2024, he and his co-accused, Jerome “Donkie” Booysen, denied any involvement in Wainstein’s assassination, with both men submitting plea explanations rejecting the State’s allegations. They insisted that they never met with members of the 27s gang to orchestrate attacks on nightclubs or plan the murder of Wainstein. Despite their denials, the State’s indictment claims that Lifman and his associates were involved in various criminal activities across Cape Town, from intimidating nightclub personnel to disturbing public peace at establishments like Cubana, Coco Bar, Club 31, The Grand Africa Cafe, and Mavericks.
The Fatal Shooting and Immediate Aftermath
Lifman’s death has sparked widespread speculation, particularly given its timing. His murder occurred mere hours before he was set to take the stand in a high-profile trial, raising questions about the motive and whether his testimony posed a threat to powerful interests within the underworld. His unaccompanied presence at the Garden Route Mall parking lot, without his usual bodyguards, has perplexed those familiar with his routine, leading to further questions about how such a prominent figure could be left vulnerable.
The shooting has captured public attention, with social media flooded with reactions. Some users expressed shock, while others speculated on the motive behind the killing, linking it to Lifman’s underworld associations and his pending court appearance. Andre Traut, a spokesperson for the Western Cape SAPS, confirmed that an investigation is underway, though he withheld specific details about the suspects or potential motives.
Lifman’s Complex Legal History
Mark Lifman’s death marks the end of a legal saga that spans several years, involving numerous allegations and high-profile disputes. Lifman was no stranger to the courts; his legal history includes a variety of charges, most notably the murder of Brian Wainstein. Wainstein, who was known as the “Steroid King” for his involvement in illegal steroid distribution, was found dead in his Constantia home in 2017. The State contends that a dispute over property deals led Lifman to conspire with gang members to orchestrate Wainstein’s murder.
The alleged involvement of gang members from the 27s gang, a well-known criminal organisation, has added an additional layer of complexity to the case. The State’s indictment points to a timeline between April and November 2017, during which Lifman and his associates reportedly engaged in criminal activities across Cape Town. These activities were not limited to nightclub disturbances but extended to broader intimidation tactics that disturbed public peace in areas such as Sea Point, Camps Bay, Kraaifontein, and Mitchells Plain.
Ties to Cape Town’s Underworld and Nightclub Security Scene
Lifman’s influence in Cape Town’s underworld was not only due to his alleged criminal activities but also his control over nightclub security services. His reputation as a nightclub security magnate placed him in direct conflict with other underworld figures, leading to violent altercations, court battles, and widespread media coverage. The Cape Town nightclub scene has long been a focal point for organised crime, with rival security firms often clashing over control of lucrative contracts. Lifman’s involvement in this scene is alleged to have sparked numerous disputes with other notable figures, some of whom had affiliations with gangs or other criminal organisations.
His reputation as a ‘security czar’ brought him notoriety and significant legal troubles. In addition to the Wainstein case, Lifman was embroiled in a defamation lawsuit against entrepreneur Randolf Jorberg. Jorberg, who accused Lifman of extortion and murder, made public allegations concerning Lifman’s role in the death of a nightclub doorman. Lifman’s legal team responded by demanding damages, citing a lack of direct evidence against him. This case is emblematic of the broader conflicts within Cape Town’s nightlife and security industries, where rivalries often play out in public and in the courts.
Arrests and the Ongoing Investigation
In the hours following Lifman’s murder, reports emerged that two men had been arrested in connection with the shooting. However, authorities have not confirmed the identities of the suspects or provided further information on the nature of their involvement. Lifman’s murder has intensified scrutiny on Cape Town’s underworld, as police investigate whether this killing is connected to the ongoing court cases or other criminal activities.
The police investigation is expected to delve deep into Lifman’s associations and potential motives for his murder. His death underscores the violent realities of Cape Town’s underworld and the dangerous intersection of business, security, and crime. Police spokesperson Andre Traut emphasised that details surrounding the murder remain classified, and the investigation is still in its early stages.
Public Reaction and Media Attention
The murder of a prominent figure like Mark Lifman has inevitably drawn widespread public and media attention. Capetonians and others familiar with his reputation have taken to social media, speculating on the circumstances and potential motives. Given Lifman’s underworld connections and the timing of his murder, there is widespread curiosity regarding whether his death was intended to silence him before he could testify.
Lifman’s alleged involvement in organised crime has long been a point of fascination for the public, with many viewing his life as emblematic of the intersection between Cape Town’s nightlife, security industry, and criminal underworld. As more details about his murder emerge, the incident is likely to spur renewed interest in Cape Town’s organised crime dynamics and the legal processes that attempt to address such issues.
The End of an Era in Cape Town’s Underworld?
The assassination of Mark Lifman, often viewed as a central figure in Cape Town’s underworld, may represent the end of an era for the city’s criminal landscape. His death has left a vacuum in the nightclub security scene and the broader organised crime network, a void that may lead to new power struggles and rivalries as others vie for control. The outcome of ongoing investigations and court cases related to Lifman’s dealings will likely shed light on the implications of his death for the underworld landscape.
As the legal proceedings unfold, South Africa will be watching closely. Lifman’s murder raises pressing questions about the influence of criminal organisations in South Africa, the risks faced by those willing to testify against powerful figures, and the role of law enforcement in maintaining order amid escalating violence. The focus on this case also underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to address organised crime and improve public safety in Cape Town and beyond.
In the coming weeks, as the investigation continues, authorities are expected to uncover more about the motives behind this brazen attack, the identities of those responsible, and the potential consequences for Cape Town’s complex underworld dynamics.
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